Newly promoted Middlesbrough will have to make several smart additions if they are to retain their status as a Premier League club next season.

The ideal signing for Boro would be Liverpool and Wales midfielder Joe Allen.

Joe Allen would be an ideal signing for Middlesbrough

Allen has proved his quality while representing Wales at the European Championships this summer, appearing in all five of their games and dictating the play in the middle of the park.

The 26-year-old former Swansea City man has failed to establish himself at Anfield since his move to the club four years ago, and now The Daily Mail have reported that Reds boss Jürgen Klopp is ready to let Allen leave for £14 million.

With Boro's increased revenues due to their Premier League participation, a £14 million bid would easily be within their reach.

Allen would slot perfectly into Aitor Karanka's midfield, and would give the North East club something that they do not currently possess.

Allen has attributes that Boro currently lack in midfield

The Welshman has a fantastic range of passing and always makes himself available to his defence as an outlet for a pass when they are under pressure. He has a knack of keeping the game ticking with his quick, intelligent movement of the football. When Allen is at his best, he can dictate the pace of the game, and is able to get his side on the front foot with incisive passing through the lines for the strikers to feed on.

Signing players of Premier League experience and quality will be vital for Middlesbrough and Karanka should signal the clubs intent this summer with a move for Allen.

Should a move come to fruition, Boro would be getting good value on a Premier League and international footballer, whilst Liverpool would be receiving a decent price for someone they have deemed surplus to requirements. Importantly, for Allen, he would find himself as a regular starter - something that every footballer craves. The deal seems to make sense for all parties concerned.

Antony Martin

A passionate football writer with an obsession for the beautiful game. Still has not seen either his club or country win a trophy during his time on earth. Aside from football, he is also a keen follower of golf, tennis and darts.